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"A spirit of benevolence": Manchester and the origins of modern public health, 1790-1834.

Creator

Boxen, Jennifer L., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of History

Abstract/Description

This thesis argues that the British Public Health movement did not begin in 1842 with Edwin Chadwick's publication, Report on the Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Population of Great Britain (1842), or in 1848, with the subsequent passage of the Public Health Act. The beginning of the public health movement was instead the product of local initiatives such as the Manchester Board of Health, administered not by central government, but by members of the local community supported by... Show moreThis thesis argues that the British Public Health movement did not begin in 1842 with Edwin Chadwick's publication, Report on the Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Population of Great Britain (1842), or in 1848, with the subsequent passage of the Public Health Act. The beginning of the public health movement was instead the product of local initiatives such as the Manchester Board of Health, administered not by central government, but by members of the local community supported by predominantly philanthropic funding. The Manchester movement predated Chadwick's efforts by at least half a century and bore a greater resemblance to the modern idea of an organized public health system than that advanced by Chadwick and his contemporaries. This is because the Manchester movement emphasized not only those sanitary ideas ascribed to Chadwick but also included a broader spectrum of public health measures, including but not limited to ; preventative medicine, occupational health, and the reduction of contagious diseases. Show less

Barr, Jeremy., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, School of Communication and Multimedia Studies

Abstract/Description

This thesis problematizes the notion of memory as a non-gendered mechanism by examining the construction of memory and subjectivity in Chris Marker's La jetâee and Sans soleil. Using the theoretical frameworks of Jacques Lacan, Bracha Ettinger, and Andrâe Bazin, the paper argues that La jetâee presents a model of phallic memory corresponding to a Lacan's understanding of desire and subjectivity, while Sans soleil offers a model of matrixial memory based on Ettinger's theorization of the gaze.... Show moreThis thesis problematizes the notion of memory as a non-gendered mechanism by examining the construction of memory and subjectivity in Chris Marker's La jetâee and Sans soleil. Using the theoretical frameworks of Jacques Lacan, Bracha Ettinger, and Andrâe Bazin, the paper argues that La jetâee presents a model of phallic memory corresponding to a Lacan's understanding of desire and subjectivity, while Sans soleil offers a model of matrixial memory based on Ettinger's theorization of the gaze. Bazin's work is used to address aesthetic issues, as well as providing a method for exploring how the phallic and matrixial frameworks impact the formal construction of the films. Ultimately, La jetâees model of phallic memory is shown to sever past from present in a manner corresponding to Lacanian notions of desire, castration, and loss, whereas Sans soleil demonstrates the potential of matrixial memory to establish a liminal relationship between past and present. Show less

The Julia character, as depicted in the essay in Pentimento, provides a character model for Lillian Hellman's plays. Julia's strength of personal responsibility provides Hellman a measure by which her characters succeed or fail, a criterion upon which personal worth is judged. Julia's strength, compassion, and personal responsibility are depicted in varying degrees in the characters created in Watch on the Rhine, The Children's Hour, The Little Foxes, Another Part of the Forest, The Searching... Show moreThe Julia character, as depicted in the essay in Pentimento, provides a character model for Lillian Hellman's plays. Julia's strength of personal responsibility provides Hellman a measure by which her characters succeed or fail, a criterion upon which personal worth is judged. Julia's strength, compassion, and personal responsibility are depicted in varying degrees in the characters created in Watch on the Rhine, The Children's Hour, The Little Foxes, Another Part of the Forest, The Searching Wind, and The Autumn Garden. As reflected in the plays, Julia is Hellman's model, her ideal; she is the vehicle for Hellman's strong personal and social statements. Show less

I argue that Margaret Atwood’s work in MaddAddam is about survival; it is about moving beyond preconceived, thoughtless ideology of any form with creative kinship. Cooperation and engagement cannot be planned in advance, and must take the form of something more than pre-established ideology. I will discuss MaddAddam in light of Donna Haraway’s recent work in which she argues that multispecies acknowledgement and collaboration are essential if humans are to survive and thrive in the coming... Show moreI argue that Margaret Atwood’s work in MaddAddam is about survival; it is about moving beyond preconceived, thoughtless ideology of any form with creative kinship. Cooperation and engagement cannot be planned in advance, and must take the form of something more than pre-established ideology. I will discuss MaddAddam in light of Donna Haraway’s recent work in which she argues that multispecies acknowledgement and collaboration are essential if humans are to survive and thrive in the coming centuries. By bringing the two texts into dialogue, one sees that Atwood’s novel constitutes the kind of story deemed necessary by Haraway for making kin in the Chthulucene. Various scenes depicting cooperation and interdependence among humans and other animals offer chthonic models of kinship; these relationships, as opposed to ideological and anthropocentric isolation, will serve as the means of surviving and thriving within an ongoing apocalypse. Show less

"Room for you and me": an ethical critique of noncanonical labor literature.

Creator

McDermott, Rachel., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English

Abstract/Description

Labor literature is in popular and academic neglect. I argue that labor literature's neglect is unjust, and I provide a way of examining labor literature that can rescue it from neglect. I shall be concerned with labor literature's academic decline due to its apparent lack of value according to traditional standards of literary criticism. I will argue that ethical criticism - criticism of literature that considers the ethics of a work as a part of its literary value - can reveal new... Show moreLabor literature is in popular and academic neglect. I argue that labor literature's neglect is unjust, and I provide a way of examining labor literature that can rescue it from neglect. I shall be concerned with labor literature's academic decline due to its apparent lack of value according to traditional standards of literary criticism. I will argue that ethical criticism - criticism of literature that considers the ethics of a work as a part of its literary value - can reveal new complexities in labor literature. An ethical critical analysis of the representation of American labor movements and workers in noncanonical texts will show the distinctive ethical value such texts hold. I will argue that labor texts possess ethical value insofar as they help readers develop awareness of complex ethical issues posed by labor and community, and that the ethical value of labor literature provides a new reason to value such works. Show less

The Accidental Tourist, a 1985 novel by Anne Tyler, is the story of Macon Leary, a man whose life and marriage have been shattered by the tragic death of his son. Despite these dismal circumstances, Tyler's book is quirky, offbeat and ultimately comic, due primarily to the unfailing tolerance and humor of the author herself. Lawrence Kasdan's 1988 film adaptation of Tyler's novel is thematically consistent with the book. Kasdan unerringly recognized the scenes naturally suited to... Show moreThe Accidental Tourist, a 1985 novel by Anne Tyler, is the story of Macon Leary, a man whose life and marriage have been shattered by the tragic death of his son. Despite these dismal circumstances, Tyler's book is quirky, offbeat and ultimately comic, due primarily to the unfailing tolerance and humor of the author herself. Lawrence Kasdan's 1988 film adaptation of Tyler's novel is thematically consistent with the book. Kasdan unerringly recognized the scenes naturally suited to dramatization, and in places he successfully transfers Tyler's dialogue directly to the screen with effective comic results. Throughout most of the film, however, the tone is melancholy and the overall effect is much heavier than the novel. Superb acting by William Hurt and Geena Davis help to give Kasdan's film depth and power. Show less

The Battle of Maldon is a poem of change, a pivot point in the English literary tradition. It lies between Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, both in time and in intent. The Maldon poet created finely interrelated philosophic and social commentary in his poem, playing the epic hero against the newer Christian martyr. He used both characterizations to create a picture of Byrhtnoth as a political martyr. With some understanding of the historical and religious perspectives of tenth... Show moreThe Battle of Maldon is a poem of change, a pivot point in the English literary tradition. It lies between Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, both in time and in intent. The Maldon poet created finely interrelated philosophic and social commentary in his poem, playing the epic hero against the newer Christian martyr. He used both characterizations to create a picture of Byrhtnoth as a political martyr. With some understanding of the historical and religious perspectives of tenth century England, it is possible to begin to appreciate The Battle of Maldon and to understand its pivotal role in artistic evolution. The poet integrated disparate ideas to produce an Anglo-Saxon work of surprising complexity that has survived for one thousand years. Show less

Schwartz, Anita., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Visual Arts and Art History

Abstract/Description

As a woman of Moroccan descent, I have been brought up surrounded by a rich culture that places great emphasis on the importance of hospitality and family traditions. This exhibit represents an exploration of porcelain ceramics vessels that have been produced over the past year. The work incorporates tagine forms, plates, tea cups and tea pots that are commonly used while entertaining guests in a Moroccan home. Moroccans welcome the opportunity to show their generosity and hospitality by... Show moreAs a woman of Moroccan descent, I have been brought up surrounded by a rich culture that places great emphasis on the importance of hospitality and family traditions. This exhibit represents an exploration of porcelain ceramics vessels that have been produced over the past year. The work incorporates tagine forms, plates, tea cups and tea pots that are commonly used while entertaining guests in a Moroccan home. Moroccans welcome the opportunity to show their generosity and hospitality by welcoming guests into their homes to visit and share meals. The vessels are ornately painted and decorated so that meals served will feast the eyes as well as the palate. The porcelain is decorated with ornate finials, underglazes and china painting. The subject of the imagery is a combination of visual anthropology in which random images of people from today's society are contrasted with my own interpretation of ancient geometric design details that are found in North African Zillij cut mosaic tiles. This infuses the work with an imagined sense of time and place. The attempt to harmonize seemingly incongruent elements results in vessels that feel both familiar and eccentric. The layers of color areused to symbolize nature, purity, depth of life and spiritual abundance. The colors are placed randomly in contrast to the symmetry of the geometric designs. The work is displayed in a dining room setting where guests are always welcome to enter. My work as an artist enhances the experience I bring to my students in the classroom. Show less

This thesis emphasizes the visibility of the translator as an agent who promotes cultural exchange. This project includes a translation of Jennifer Egan's short story "Spanish Winter" from her collection Emerald City and Other Stories (1996). It also presents the theoretical frame, the critical analysis, and the pitfalls of the translation. "Spanish Winter" is narrated in the first person by the protagonist, a troubled US American, divorced woman who travels by herself to Spain in the winter.... Show moreThis thesis emphasizes the visibility of the translator as an agent who promotes cultural exchange. This project includes a translation of Jennifer Egan's short story "Spanish Winter" from her collection Emerald City and Other Stories (1996). It also presents the theoretical frame, the critical analysis, and the pitfalls of the translation. "Spanish Winter" is narrated in the first person by the protagonist, a troubled US American, divorced woman who travels by herself to Spain in the winter. The importance of this text lies in the quest for identity of a female character whose journey symbolizes a search for herself. This postmodern tale, which depicts cultural exchanges between Spaniards and a US American woman and presents a contemporary theme told by a female narrator traveling abroad, is extremely relevant in today's globalized world. It is a valuable text whose translation promotes a fruitful literary exchange between the United States and the Spanish-speaking countries. Show less

(Re)making men, representing the Caribbean Nation: authorialIndividuation in works by Fred D’Aguiar, Robert Antoni, andMarlon James.

Creator

Gifford, Sheryl C., Machado, Elena, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English

Abstract/Description

This dissertation proposes that West Indian contemporary male writers develop literary authority, or a voice that represents the nation, via a process of individuation. This process enables the contemporary male writer to unite the disparities of the matriarchal and patriarchal authorial traditions that inform his development of a distinctive creative identity. I outline three stages of authorial individuation that are inspired by Jung’s theory of individuation. The first is the contemporary... Show moreThis dissertation proposes that West Indian contemporary male writers develop literary authority, or a voice that represents the nation, via a process of individuation. This process enables the contemporary male writer to unite the disparities of the matriarchal and patriarchal authorial traditions that inform his development of a distinctive creative identity. I outline three stages of authorial individuation that are inspired by Jung’s theory of individuation. The first is the contemporary male writer’s return to his nationalist forebears’ tradition to dissolve his persona, or identification with patriarchal authority; Fred D’Aguiar’s “The Last Essay About Slavery” and Feeding the Ghosts illustrate this stage. The second is his reconciliation of matriarchal (present) and patriarchal (past) traditions of literary authority via his encounter with his forebears’ feminized, raced shadow; Robert Antoni’s Blessed Is the Fruit evidences this process. The third is the contemporary male writer’s renunciation of authority defined by masculinity, which emerges as his incorporation of the anima, or unconscious feminine; Marlon James’s The Book of Night Women exemplifies this final phase of his individuation. Show less

In the United States tattooing has become popularized. Tattoo studios are now commonplace commercial venues. Tattooing has become a legitimate art form. This research examines the commodification of tattooing in South Florida and the relationship between consumption and identity production. In efforts to express the self and exert control over the body, individuals adorn themselves. In the United States we are increasingly using tattoos as one form of self-expression. However, this expression... Show moreIn the United States tattooing has become popularized. Tattoo studios are now commonplace commercial venues. Tattooing has become a legitimate art form. This research examines the commodification of tattooing in South Florida and the relationship between consumption and identity production. In efforts to express the self and exert control over the body, individuals adorn themselves. In the United States we are increasingly using tattoos as one form of self-expression. However, this expression is grounded in Western consumerist ideals. It is through consumption of the symbolic commodity of the tattoo that the individual expresses the self and asserts control over the body. Show less

From October-December 2013, we conducted a study of the newly discovered primate species lesula, Cercopithecus lomamiensis, in the DR Congo. We placed 41 camera traps inside a 4 km2 grid outside the proposed Lomami National Park (LNP). We compared an analysis of 140 lesula events over 1,683 camera trap days from the heavily hunted Okulu area to a pilot study (38 events over 462 camera trap days) at the Losekola study site within the LNP. Our data show an unexpected result: capture probability... Show moreFrom October-December 2013, we conducted a study of the newly discovered primate species lesula, Cercopithecus lomamiensis, in the DR Congo. We placed 41 camera traps inside a 4 km2 grid outside the proposed Lomami National Park (LNP). We compared an analysis of 140 lesula events over 1,683 camera trap days from the heavily hunted Okulu area to a pilot study (38 events over 462 camera trap days) at the Losekola study site within the LNP. Our data show an unexpected result: capture probability of lesula (0.08) is the same at both the hunted and non-hunted sites. This is in contrast to the sharp decline in capture probability of all other medium-to-large terrestrial mammals at the Okulu site. These findings suggest lesula’s cryptic behavior is an important adaptation buffering the species from the impacts of hunting. This study also expands knowledge on minimum group size, terrestriality, diet, and times of activity. Show less

The FAU Repertory Dance Theatre Ensemble, the University’s professional dance company, was founded to exhibit works by established and emerging artist, to offer a forum for collaborations using dance as the common medium and to showcase the wide range, scope and diversity of dance.

In this thesis, I examine the structure of developmental or remedial English education at U. S. two-year community colleges, specifically focusing on the disparities between Florida’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP), an English as a Second Language (ESL) program, and Developmental English (Dev English), a Basic Writing program. Both programs supposedly prepare disadvantaged and/or immigrant students for freshman composition, but they employ very different pedagogies. Drawing on existing... Show moreIn this thesis, I examine the structure of developmental or remedial English education at U. S. two-year community colleges, specifically focusing on the disparities between Florida’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP), an English as a Second Language (ESL) program, and Developmental English (Dev English), a Basic Writing program. Both programs supposedly prepare disadvantaged and/or immigrant students for freshman composition, but they employ very different pedagogies. Drawing on existing research and my own experience as a student and a teacher, I present English as it is employed to assimilate and empower second-language users, investigate the role of Florida’s institution in promoting EAP over Dev English, and discuss issues of identity and the categorization of students. I close by recommending the teaching of English as a Second Language – reading, writing, and basic language skills – to all developmental students, immigrant or native, to equip them for higher learning and a competitive workforce. Show less

The Cercopithecus mitis radiation has significant phenotypic and ecological diversity, making it a great candidate for evolutionary genetic studies. This study represents the first genetic survey of C. mitis from well provenanced wild populations, including C. mitis heymansi from the TL2 landscape, an area of remote tropical forest between the Tshuapa, Lomami, and Lualaba rivers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tissue samples were collected from 7 male blue monkeys, DNA was extracted... Show moreThe Cercopithecus mitis radiation has significant phenotypic and ecological diversity, making it a great candidate for evolutionary genetic studies. This study represents the first genetic survey of C. mitis from well provenanced wild populations, including C. mitis heymansi from the TL2 landscape, an area of remote tropical forest between the Tshuapa, Lomami, and Lualaba rivers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tissue samples were collected from 7 male blue monkeys, DNA was extracted and surveyed at 919 bp of the Testis-Specific Protein Y-chromosome (TSPY), and added to a larger dataset including other C. mitis and C. albogularis specimens. Evolutionary analyses suggests TL2 C. mitis shared recent genetic contact with C. albogularis at the headwaters of the Congo River than with conspecifics to the northeast, indicating the Congo River is a significant biogeographic barrier to C. mitis and sheds new light on their genetic heritage, taxonomic assignment, and conservation status. Show less

Jednak, Robert Eddy, Huckshorn, Robert J., Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Political Science

Abstract/Description

The history of the development of the party newspapers is reviewed in the first chapter. The goal of the research was to attempt to discover the uses and goals of state political party newspapers. Five propositions were proposed which would accomplish this aim. The first proposition was to discover the extent to which the state party paper is used to extend the publicity of the state chairman. The second proposition was to discover to what extent the party newspaper is used as a tool in... Show moreThe history of the development of the party newspapers is reviewed in the first chapter. The goal of the research was to attempt to discover the uses and goals of state political party newspapers. Five propositions were proposed which would accomplish this aim. The first proposition was to discover the extent to which the state party paper is used to extend the publicity of the state chairman. The second proposition was to discover to what extent the party newspaper is used as a tool in finance and fund-raising appeals. The third proposition attempted to reveal to what extent the state paper is used to extend the publicity of the incumbent governor. Proposition IV sought to ascertain whether or not a party not holding the governor's office openly criticized the state opposition party, while the incumbent party merely spoke of its own accomplishments while neglecting the opposition. The fifth, and final, proposition attempted to ascertain whether less populous state Republican party papers were more apt to relate themselves to the national Republican party and administration. The research method of content analysis was discussed and the methodology used in this study was explained. The scores for nine content categories were compiled and the findings from a one-issue analysis of sixty-two papers confirmed Propositions I-IV. The fifth proposition was disproven. A time analysis of six selected papers was performed and these findings confirmed the findings of the one-issue analysis. Furthermore, this analysis proved the existence of patterns of column-inch space allocations in a state party newspaper. Show less

The main aim of this dissertation is to discuss the way women negotiate the cultural meaning of hair loss, alopecia, as a result of undergoing chemotherapy, and to understand, accordingly, how cancer's cultural effects regarding women can be deeply different from those of men. Very few studies have been done about the cultural impact and resonance of alopecia. It is often regarded as "secondary" to other effects of chemotherapy. Because, in many cultures, head hair for women expresses or... Show moreThe main aim of this dissertation is to discuss the way women negotiate the cultural meaning of hair loss, alopecia, as a result of undergoing chemotherapy, and to understand, accordingly, how cancer's cultural effects regarding women can be deeply different from those of men. Very few studies have been done about the cultural impact and resonance of alopecia. It is often regarded as "secondary" to other effects of chemotherapy. Because, in many cultures, head hair for women expresses or manifests attractiveness and power, to be bald is to be deprived of the ability to fit into society, whether in the public or private sphere. The study examines the representation of such women in the media, audience/subject responses to these representations, and interrogates women's identities and representations in terms of Laura Mulvey's theory of the male gaze. Women who have experienced chemotherapy-induced alopec ia were interviewed in this regard. Other contributive feminist, cultural and/or media studies works, such as those by Suzanna Walters, Susan Bordo, Naomi Wolf, Donna Haraway, Stuart Hall, Kimberle Crenshaw, and Judith Butler, help facilitate the analysis. From these perspectives, a historical analysis takes into consideration the symbolic dimension of hair, especially women's head hair, within Western cultural history, particularly in France and a multicultural America. In addition, a textual analysis looks at women, cancer, and hair loss as represented in popular culture characters and personalities. The study insists on the necessity for women to resist to the culture industries and deconstruct the male gaze, as well as the female gaze, which can both contribute to, and perpetuate women's objectification. Show less